The Perfect Dishes To Bring To Your Next Potluck

When planning a potluck, it's vital to coordinate with your fellow potluck goers to avoid catastrophe, like everyone showing up with a main dish and no sides. Or worse, everyone showing up with the same thing.

But are you finding the potluck date inching closer and have no idea what to bring as other guests are calling dibs on more and more dishes? We've got you covered. Take one of these simple recipes to claim, make and serve:

Appetizers

When it comes to appetizers for potlucks, there are two types of food where you can't go wrong: dips and finger foods. Buffalo chicken dip is a classic choice for potlucks, especially if the potluck is for watching the Super Bowl or another sporting event. Or you can make creamy spinach and artichoke dip, easy seven layer dip or make a bowl of basic (but delicious) guacamole. Just make sure you bring plenty of chips because everyone will be digging in.

As far as finger foods go, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Steakhouse cheeseburger meatballs are essentially mini cheeseburgers and make a great food to snack on before, during or after the main dish. And then there's tortilla roll-ups, such as chicken enchilada pinwheels and pesto pinwheels. All are simple to make and, although small, have an explosive flavor.

Sides

A cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a hit at any potluck with its warm and cheesy taste. Though the casserole might not be a main dish at the party, it's hearty enough to fill you up -- especially as guests keep piling its gooey goodness onto their plates. Or, if you want to go a healthier route, consider a salad. A Greek pasta salad is a good healthy alternative to the dips and wings that are sure to be present on the serving table. And because it's served cold, you don't have to worry about keeping it warm once you get to the event.

Main Dishes

Main dishes at potlucks shouldn't be huge because there will be so much food to try. This makes sandwiches a great option for potlucks. They're easily shareable, simple to make, and you'll be able to taste a plethora of different appetizers and slides and still have room for dessert (if you pace yourself correctly). For your next gathering, try making some sloppy joes or ham and cheese sliders. If your potluck is during the autumn or winter, chili is another good option because it's hearty and easily filling, but guests are able to ration it with the other food as they see fit.

Desserts

What's a potluck without an overflowing dessert table? Go beyond the store-bought chocolate chip cookies by making your own crinkle-top chocolate cookies. They're incredibly simple to make and taste amazing -- much better than any Keebler cookies. Or if you want something a bit more unique, try your hand at cheesecake dip served with strawberries and graham crackers. You can make it plain or flavored -- cherry dip is a popular choice. Your dish will be a hit, but you might want to double or even triple the recipe depending on everyone's sweet tooth.